Pompeii
- Submitted by: Alexia
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- Category: History
- Date Submitted: 03/20/2011 11:06 PM
- Pages: 2
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Contribution of graffiti to history
* Graffiti was used primarily by political activists to make statements and street gangs to mark territory
* Graffiti were scratched into the surface of any available wall with stylus, iron nail, wooden splinter or tooth pick.
* Any man, women or child who wanted to share his or her thoughts, feelings or jokes, spread gossip, show their admiration or love for someone, keep a recod of gambling debts, add up shop accounts, remember important dates, advertise their service and fees, sing the praises of a gladiatorial champion, express contempt for a political or frequenter of a brotherl, or threaten an enemy, would not hesitate to express themselves on the face of a wall.
* Many, including children, quoted and misquoted the great poets of the day
* Amateur poets such as “Tiburtinis” wrote several lyric verses on the wall of “Odeon’’.
* The Basilica in Pompeii, where justice was administrated, trials were held and business transactions carried out, featured some of the angrier graffiti.
* Comments concerned with gambling and drinking were common in taverns
* Lovers throughout Pompeii had no hesitation in expressing their deepest feelings on the cities walls
* It may have seemed trash or nonsense at the time, but today, the ancient graffiti is an invaluable source of information about the inhabitants of Roman towns.
Politics in Pompeii
* Were self-governing in local matters, but subject to imperial decree from Rome. However, the emperor rarely interfered except where the empire’s security or local order were threatened.
* Comitium: the people’s assembly.
Included all adult male citizens including freedmen.
Elected magistrates and voted honours.
* Magistracy:
Duumiviri (two) : Senior magistrates for 1 year
Aediles: (two): Junior magistrates for 1 year, responsible for the judicial system, public works, administration, municipal cults, games and public entertainment and...
* Graffiti was used primarily by political activists to make statements and street gangs to mark territory
* Graffiti were scratched into the surface of any available wall with stylus, iron nail, wooden splinter or tooth pick.
* Any man, women or child who wanted to share his or her thoughts, feelings or jokes, spread gossip, show their admiration or love for someone, keep a recod of gambling debts, add up shop accounts, remember important dates, advertise their service and fees, sing the praises of a gladiatorial champion, express contempt for a political or frequenter of a brotherl, or threaten an enemy, would not hesitate to express themselves on the face of a wall.
* Many, including children, quoted and misquoted the great poets of the day
* Amateur poets such as “Tiburtinis” wrote several lyric verses on the wall of “Odeon’’.
* The Basilica in Pompeii, where justice was administrated, trials were held and business transactions carried out, featured some of the angrier graffiti.
* Comments concerned with gambling and drinking were common in taverns
* Lovers throughout Pompeii had no hesitation in expressing their deepest feelings on the cities walls
* It may have seemed trash or nonsense at the time, but today, the ancient graffiti is an invaluable source of information about the inhabitants of Roman towns.
Politics in Pompeii
* Were self-governing in local matters, but subject to imperial decree from Rome. However, the emperor rarely interfered except where the empire’s security or local order were threatened.
* Comitium: the people’s assembly.
Included all adult male citizens including freedmen.
Elected magistrates and voted honours.
* Magistracy:
Duumiviri (two) : Senior magistrates for 1 year
Aediles: (two): Junior magistrates for 1 year, responsible for the judicial system, public works, administration, municipal cults, games and public entertainment and...